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Longtime patient Larke J. started coming to 六色网 when she was nine months old after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Over the years, she has received outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy and other services at 六色网.
Now, at age 21, Larke is thriving in college — studying psychology in the honors program at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Larke always has driven to be independent, and she wants kids with CP or other disabilities to believe that college is possible for them, too. Below read a Q&A with Larke’s advice for students who want to continue their education.
What kind of accommodations have helped you be successful in college so far?
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At Roosevelt University, the Learning Commons is the place I go to access disability services. I also study there, and the staff provides assistance for working through problems.
At the Learning Commons, I discuss what accommodations I may need, such as getting extra time on tests and assignments, recording lectures, getting a notetaker or asking for class materials in advance. Once we determine accommodations, I coordinate directly with my professors to implement them.
The Learning Commons staff can’t do things for you — you have to learn to do them for yourself — but they’re in your corner.
What kind of accommodations have helped you be successful in college so far?
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It depends on the semester. Each semester I have to plan a new route and get updated accommodations for my new class schedule.
I can record lectures during class. I also can ask professors to email me their slides or lectures before or after class. I have extended time for tests, which I take in private in the Learning Commons for quiet and better concentration. And, I ask to sit near the door during class for safety, whether that’s at the front or back of the classroom, so I have an easy exit.
What encouragement would you give to a student with disabilities who is considering going to college?
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At college, you create your own path. College is what you make of it. Your experience may be outside the norm, but that’s ok.
I started Roosevelt as a part-time student to adjust, and last year was my first as a full-time student. We have the idea that college takes four years, but there’s nothing wrong if it takes longer. If you need more than four years to graduate, so be it. If you take one or two classes to get used to college at first, awesome.
College is possible, we just need more people with disabilities to realize they can do it.
You are an advocate for kids with cerebral palsy and for people with disabilities. How have your community members and friends helped support you as you’ve grown up?
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It’s been important for me to have friends with CP who are both older and younger. With older friends, I can ask them, “Hey, what do you do…?” in a certain situation. With younger friends, I give them my recommendations and life hacks. I’ll share what has worked for me in case it may work for them, too.
It’s important for people with CP to have social support — we need that support system.
